Letter to the editor

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Dear Editor:

The county commission wants to tax the residents of our county to bring water and sewer systems to Marshall Junction. According to Presiding Commissioner Kile Guthrey, the projected plan would generate a $1-1.2 million/year windfall with a 20-year sunset. Guthrey further states “The first primary goal is ... to get water to the junction and put a sewer system in at the junction, and then the monies we have left over, which we’re fixing where we’ll have some to give to the cities in the county for economic development for creating jobs.”

Is there a detailed estimation of the costs and timelines to complete this project? Does the commission have plans/agreements with business(es) to make this project worthwhile? How much of the anticipated $20-24 million is expected to be needed for this project? Will any of the money be left for “economic development for creating jobs?” How will existing communities benefit from this project?

It seems backward to develop an area in hopes that an industry/business might be interested. Why not first develop a business interest, then work closely with that business in developing a plan that works for all involved?

Why now the great interest in developing the junction? Who currently owns the properties that make up the area? Is there an underlying interest that hasn’t been revealed? Is there a business that has expressed interest? Is there more going on that hasn’t yet been disclosed?

The commissioners need to take care of the great assets currently in Saline County. Study the issues, ask the questions, expect and demand answers beyond the typical political responses. We live in a world of entitlements. I don’t believe we are each entitled to a cellphone, cable TV or new vehicle. I do believe, however, that we are entitled to have government representatives that actually listen and represent us, not special-interest groups or their own individual agendas. Make up your own minds, based on your own research. As President Ronald Reagan once said, “Trust, but verify.”

John Long, self employed

*All letters to the editor must be signed by the author, provide contact information and the person's occupation. To encourage diversity, we will publish only one letter from a writer per month on a particular subject. However, we will allow one rebuttal if the author is challenged by another writer.

Letters should be no more than 350 words, and reference an article or public event that has taken place within the past two weeks. Letters are reserved for residents of Saline County and/or those with ties to the county. Letters composed by organizations will not be published.